«Eternal Hearts.»
The most important romance game of its time. The undisputed king of simulation games, responsible for marking an entire generation.
Released for PC more than eleven years ago. An unstoppable, resounding success. It was supposed to be a dating simulator for girls… but it ended up trapping a bunch of idiots like me too. Why? Because aside from its visual aesthetics, it gave you mechanics that felt ripped straight out of a hardcore RPG.
Absurd customization. A tutorial with a random skill. You could be a god… or a complete useless wreck from minute one. And that was addictive. Addictive in the worst way.
The story was basically like this: The world was invaded by external creatures. Humans, on the verge of destruction, awakened special abilities with which they managed to stop the invasion. But that was only the beginning. In preparation for the next catastrophe, the Imperial Academy Arsidius was founded, intended to train the new generation of heroes… sounds incredible, right?
Well, no.
It was hell.
Impossible dungeons. Enemies that seemed programmed to humiliate you. And no matter what you did… the world always, always, always ended up in damn ruin.
That's why, when people talked about "Eternal Hearts", it was normal to hear the same thing:
"What a trash game."
I laughed. A short, hollow sound. Because now it wasn't funny.
Now that "trash game" was my new reality, and just to make sure of it, a familiar notification sound broke into my thoughts.
DING!
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[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
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▸ Mission: «Absolute Effort» 🏆
▸ Type: EXAM — (Difficulty: ★★★☆☆☆)
▸ Main Objective: Participate in the entrance exam of Arsidius Academy
▸ Restriction: None
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▸ Reward: ¿?
▸ Failure Penalty: Death
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"What… is this?" I muttered to myself, not fully recognizing the situation. My eyes remained fixed on the upper corner of the interface, bewildered.
Suddenly, a fleeting thought crossed my mind… and instantly, my face turned completely pale. My heart skipped a beat, and without delay, I grabbed the coat that was on the shelf and prepared to leave the room.
«Imperial Academy Arsidius» — one of the three most important institutions in the world, specialized in the training of heroes. It's also the place where the events of the game Eternal Hearts take place.»
***
Magnetic Leviathan, a steel carriage with an elongated and fluid structure, smooth and curved edges to reduce air resistance, floated majestically over the tracks. This masterpiece of magical engineering was a very common means of transport in this world, used to travel in the shortest possible time. In terms of my previous world, it would be something similar to a maglev train.
"What a pity," murmured the hunched old man sitting in front of me, his eyes fixed on the screen of his computer. "When will the day come when we actually win something?"
"Husband, husband!" exclaimed the woman at his side, with a tone of reproach and affection.
The man lifted his head slightly, without taking his eyes off the computer.
"Oh, darling! When you're on a trip, don't spend the whole day glued to that damn screen," complained the woman, frowning.
"Bah, don't exaggerate, woman!" grumbled the old man, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm just taking a quick look at the sports. Better go bring me a bit of beer."
The old woman looked at him for a few seconds and, with a cold smile, raised her hand and smacked him on the back.
"Ah, my poor bones!" cried the old man, as if he were on the verge of death. "One of these days you'll finish me off, witch!"
The old woman looked at him again, crossed her arms, and raised an eyebrow.
"What did you just call me?" she asked softly, but her voice was loaded with menace.
The old man immediately shrank into his seat, lowering his shoulders as if he wanted to become invisible.
"N-nothing, darling… I didn't say anything," he muttered, turning his gaze toward the window.
"Haa… how I wish I had a beer." (I sighed.)
The old woman clicked her tongue in annoyance and shook her head.
"Stop being so stubborn, old man. Remember the doctor forbade you alcohol."
The old man huffed under his breath, but didn't dare reply. He just sank deeper into his seat, his gaze lowered in defeat.
From the seat across, I watched them in silence, puzzled. The peaceful old couple seemed to enjoy their train ride, and for a moment the scene reminded me of one of those romantic comedies I used to watch in my previous world.
Immersed in those thoughts, I completely forgot my worries, when…
DING!
The notification sound dragged me back to reality.
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[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
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▸ Mission: «Tutorial» 🏆
▸ Type: SURVIVAL — (Difficulty: ★★★☆☆☆)
▸ Main Objective: Escape alive from the danger zone.
▸ Restriction: None
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▸ Reward: Random skill
▸ Failure Penalty: -
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Almost immediately, a dry thud rumbled through the carriage.
Thum…!
A violent jolt threw my body forward. The train screeched to a halt with a high-pitched whine that echoed through all the corridors.
Clang!
The metallic doors swung wide open, and two armed men stormed into the carriage. They wore dark vests reinforced with metal plates, masks that covered half of their faces, and cold stares that seemed to pierce through anyone who dared to meet their gaze.